The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Leopards secured their spot by winning the CAF playoff final against Morocco on March 31, 2026, with a final score of 2-1. This marks the DRC's first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire.
The qualification pathway involved a dramatic two-legged playoff. After finishing third in their group during the main qualifying stage, the DRC entered a four-team playoff tournament. They first overcame Zambia before facing the Atlas Lions of Morocco in the decisive final match in Kinshasa.
The victory has sparked nationwide celebrations across the DRC. FIFA's expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams allowed for nine direct African qualifiers, plus one through the inter-confederation playoffs, increasing the continent's representation. The DRC will learn its group stage opponents at the final draw later in 2026.
